Immunologically significant herpes simplex virus antigens and methods for using same

Abstract

The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. Disclosed herein are epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection.

1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a herpes simplex virus (HSV) polypeptide,
 wherein the polypeptide is up to 15 amino acids in length and comprises amino acids 14–22, 21–35, 45–59, 49–57, or 49–63 U L 49 (SEQ ID NO: 3), 
 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
 
     
     
       2. The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide consists of amino acids 14–22, 21–35, 45–59, 49–57, or 49–63 U L 49 (SEQ ID NO: 3). 
     
     
       3. The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide is a fusion protein. 
     
     
       4. The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 3 , wherein the fusion protein is soluble. 
     
     
       5. The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 1 , further comprising an adjuvant. 
     
     
       6. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an isolated polynucleotide that encodes an HSV polypeptide that is up to 15 amino acids in length and comprises an amino acid sequence consisting of amino acids 14–22, 21–35, 45–59, 49–57, or 49–63 of U L 49 (SEQ ID NO: 3). 
     
     
       7. The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 6 , wherein the polypeptide consists of amino acids 14–22, 21–35, 45–59, 49–57, or 49–63 U L 49 (SEQ ID NO: 3). 
     
     
       8. The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 7 , further comprising an adjuvant. 
     
     
       9. A method of inducing an immune response to an HSV infection in a subject comprising administering the composition of  claim 1  to the subject. 
     
     
       10. A method of inducing an immune response to an HSV infection in a subject comprising administering the composition of  claim 7  to the subject. 
     
     
       11. A method of treating an HSV infection in a subject comprising administering the composition of  claim 1  to the subject. 
     
     
       12. A method of treating an HSV infection in a subject comprising administering the composition of  claim 7  to the subject.